Barnett’s Wood is a diverse, 12ha Local Nature Reserve in the High Brooms area of Tunbridge Wells, containing ancient broadleaf woodland, flower rich meadows, hedges and ponds. As well as a sculpture trail and woodland walks, there is an access for all path that runs around the picnic area, and down to the pond. A series of leaflets have been produced as a guide to Barnett’s Wood, which can be downloaded from the Kent High Weald’s website (see link below).

In 1998 Barnett’s Wood became the first site to be given the special designation of LNR (Local Nature Reserve) in the borough of Tunbridge Wells. Since this time, the Friends of Barnett’s Wood and the Kent High Weald Project have worked together to manage the site both for wildlife and the enjoyment of the local community. Volunteers carry out the vast majority of practical work required to look after the habitats of Barnett’s Wood, as well as the wildlife surveys that help to guide and inform this work. We also run a packed program of events each year that includes pond dipping, minibeast hunts, fungal forays and survival skills. Visit the Kent High Weald Project’s website for more detail of these, the history, and the important habitats of the reserve, at www.khwp.org.uk

Directions to Barnett’s Wood

From High Brooms train station, turn right on to North Farm Road, then immediately left on to High Brooms Road. Continue up the hill and along the road, past a church on your left, and a parade of shops on your right. After the shops, take the first turning on your right, travelling downhill past St. Matthew’s Primary School, and on to a mini-roundabout (bottom left corner of map).

A natural play area has now been installed for local use. We hope that you will find this area good fun. (Jan 2016)

Barnett’s Wood can be entered on foot from four different entrances: through Wheelers Field; from Blackthorn Avenue; from Aspen Way, or along Juniper Close.